A Historic Final at the Teatro Ópera
The Teatro Ópera in Buenos Aires was the venue for the grand finale of Es mi sueño (My Dream), a singing competition hosted by Guido Kaczka that aired live on eltrece and El Doce (two major Argentine television channels). The theater, packed with excited fans, hosted the eight finalists vying for the top prize: 100 million Argentine pesos.
Guido Kaczka opened the night with high energy: “Welcome to the grand finale of Es mi sueño. 100 million pesos tonight. One of these eight finalists will win.” He explained that viewers would decide the winner by scanning a QR code or visiting the eltrece website to cast a positive vote.
Unlike previous rounds, the jury did not pick the winner – the public vote via QR and website was decisive. However, the jury – composed of Abel Pintos, Jimena Barón, La Mona Jiménez, Natalie Pérez, and Joaquín Levinton – had the task of selecting three finalists to join the second season, which premieres on August 19 with celebrities.
The Eight Finalists and Their Stories
The eight contestants who made it to the finale were:
- Alan Birman (21, from Lanús, electromechanical technician)
- Dana Gómez (30, from Hurlingham, singer and vocal coach)
- Julián Navarro (23, from Lanús, whose father passed away the day before one of his performances)
- Ailén Peralta (28, from José C. Paz, who returned to singing after battling depression and scored the highest in her semifinal: 400 points)
- Diego Detona (38, a lifelong performer)
- Emilio Zapata (45, from San Francisco Solano, upholsterer and law student)
- Margarita Ponce (11, from Salta, discovered singing at her uncle's backyard)
- Tomás Cochello (22, who pays tribute to his grandmother “Tucci”)
Each had a unique story that moved audiences throughout the season. The final night was a showcase of raw talent and emotion.
Margarita Ponce: The New Star
The Winner
The grand winner was Margarita Ponce, just 11 years old, from the northern province of Salta. From her first appearance, Margarita captured hearts with her angelic voice and natural charm. The jury was effusive: they called her “the reincarnation of Mercedes Sosa” (the legendary Argentine folk singer) and praised her sweetness. When the results came in, she received 100 million pesos and the first-season trophy.
Selected for the Second Season
In addition to the main prize, the jury chose three finalists to participate in Es mi sueño's second season, which begins Wednesday, August 19 at 9 PM. Abel Pintos announced the picks: Diego Detona, Tomás Cochello, and Ailén Peralta. They will join a group of celebrities who will sing for a major concert.
The second season will feature well-known Argentine figures such as Guillermo Andino, Maju Lozano, Natalia Pastorutti, Jonás Gutiérrez, Dante Ortega, Viviana Saccone, Leticia Brédice, and Miguel Ángel Rodríguez, among others.
The Jury's Show and Party Atmosphere
The finale was not only about talent – the jury's looks stole attention too. Joaquín Levinton surprised everyone by arriving with two horses, prompting Guido Kaczka to joke, “I saw you come in with a horse.” Jimena Barón, Natalie Pérez, Abel Pintos, and La Mona Jiménez all wore glamorous outfits for the occasion.
La Mona Jiménez, a legendary cuarteto singer, gave a separate performance that received a standing ovation. The atmosphere was pure celebration and emotion, with the Teatro Ópera full of spectators enjoying an unforgettable night.
With Margarita Ponce's victory, “Es mi sueño” closes its first season as a massive success, and the stage is set for the upcoming celebrity edition.